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Possible Stress–Neuroendocrine System–Psychological Symptoms Relationship in Pregnant Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Giulia Gizzi

    (Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy)

  • Claudia Mazzeschi

    (Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy)

  • Elisa Delvecchio

    (Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy)

  • Tommaso Beccari

    (Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy)

  • Elisabetta Albi

    (Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic induced long-term damages that weigh on the national health systems of various countries in terms of support and care. This review aimed to highlight the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in pregnant women. We first report data on the immune system physiopathology and the main viral infections in pregnancy, including COVID-19. Then, the attention is focused on the main factors that affect the mental health of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as (1) the fear of being infected and transmitting the infection to the fetus, (2) the cancellation of checkups and pre-child courses, and (3) confinement and the inability to have close friends or a partner at the time of delivery or in the first days after delivery, as well as family tensions. Because of all this, pregnant women find themselves in a stressful condition independent of the pregnancy, and thus experience anxiety, depression, insomnia, hostility, delirium, and an alteration of the mother–baby relationship. Several studies have shown an involvement of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis in response to the pandemic. We propose a possible involvement of the neuroendocrine system as a mediator of the psychological symptoms of pregnant women induced by COVID-19-related stress.

Suggested Citation

  • Giulia Gizzi & Claudia Mazzeschi & Elisa Delvecchio & Tommaso Beccari & Elisabetta Albi, 2022. "Possible Stress–Neuroendocrine System–Psychological Symptoms Relationship in Pregnant Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-13, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:18:p:11497-:d:913269
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gemma Biviá-Roig & Valentina Lucia La Rosa & María Gómez-Tébar & Lola Serrano-Raya & Juan José Amer-Cuenca & Salvatore Caruso & Elena Commodari & Antonio Barrasa-Shaw & Juan Francisco Lisón, 2020. "Analysis of the Impact of the Confinement Resulting from COVID-19 on the Lifestyle and Psychological Wellbeing of Spanish Pregnant Women: An Internet-Based Cross-Sectional Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-14, August.
    2. Ahmed Yassin & Abdel-Hameed Al-Mistarehi & Khalid El-Salem & Reema A. Karasneh & Sayer Al-Azzam & Aref A. Qarqash & Aws G. Khasawneh & Anas M. Zein Alaabdin & Ola Soudah, 2022. "Prevalence Estimates and Risk Factors of Anxiety among Healthcare Workers in Jordan over One Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-20, February.
    3. Yupeng Luo & Kui Zhang & Mengxue Huang & Changjian Qiu, 2022. "Risk factors for depression and anxiety in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(3), pages 1-13, March.
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